WELLINGTON R.S.A.

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 176, 21 April 1921, Page 5

WELLINGTON R.S.A.

ANNUAL REPORT “ STILL GREAT THINGS TO BE DONE” "Although we can look back on last year’s work with satisfaction at the progress made, there are still great things to be done and the existence of the as. sociation is as necessary to-day as it ever has been," states the annual report of the Wellington R.S.A. "We must continue as an organisation to watch the interests of returned men and' the dependants of the fallen, until every right lias been secured. T.B. patients, limbless and disabled men will dll be a continuous claim on the interest and activity of the association.” Tho finances of the association are in a sound position, but regret is expressed that there are still a number of unfinancial members for last year.

During the year 417 new members have been elected and the number of financial members of the association now stands nt 4203. In addition to this over 200 nurses are honorary members of tho association.

“Perhaps the subject which has occupied the attention of the U.S.A, more than anything else has been the matter of inadequate pensions, which are being paid to soldiers and their dependants,” the report says. "Representations were made to the Government on several occasions; indignation meetings were he’d and the resolutions passed thereat forwarded to the Prime Minister. Although practically all the members of Parliament and every citizen of the country were in sympathy with the demands of the association, the Government saw fit to hand out the paltry sum of .TSO.OaQ. and this amount was to be distributed amongst the totally disabled soldiers. Nobody has ever been able to understand how the Government reconciled Die fact that the Pubh.j Servant riioitei have a cost of living bonus, but the widow and dependant of a deceased soldier should be able to manage on the same figure that was thought adequate in 1915. Further strong action in the matter of securing increase in pensions is being taken by the R.S.A., and we are confident that 'whatever demands we make upon the Government the citizens nf New Zealand are willing to support. The reason that a strong protest has not already been made to Parliament is on account' of the fact that the grant of 4150.001) was only brought down in the dying hours of the session. '“Tim Appeal Board, as provided for in legislation passed in November last, is to deal with the physical disablement of the soldier only; but.no provision has been made for appeal in .regard to the economic disablement of the soldier* or bis dependants. ft is proposed to circulate a petition for signature to lie presented tA Parliament at.the opening of the next session this year. This petition . will contain, the demands of the R.S.A. in regard to pension matters. Lour executive has to report having had adjusted a largo number of pension claims; tho majority of these haue been successful on account of the additional information which has been supplied to the Wa' Pensions Board. . . • “The success of the R.S.A. in the future "depends entirely on the loyalty of its members, and it is hoped, that all members will show their appreciation of the good work already done by the association in the past, by supporting the organisation now, as it is only by standing together and presenting a united front that the returned soldier can hopo io retain his rights. Tho history of past wars must not lie repeated. The war is not so fresh in the memory of the country as it was a year ago, and we must see to it that the men who have borne the brunt of the fight shall no' be allowed to suffer any hardships if unable to work for their living. Such a state of affairs must not be allowed to exist, and if wo stick together and ask only what is just and reasonable we can command the attention of any Government arid ensure a square deal io those who depend on us io protect their interests. Realising this, we are sure no returned soldier worthy of the name will shirk bis responsibility 'and leave the finding of fhe necessary funds to a faithful fow. Left to a. few, the burden will bo heavy; shared by lAany, it will bo scarcely felt, and no returned soldier will object to pay his small subscription to kqgp alive an organisation that is fighting, and will have to fight the battles of loved ones of their fallen comrades.” ,

The flanadian-American author, Alt. Raymond Fayette Stover, of New York City, is at present in Dunedin. lie told a reporter that n difficulty which beset him on arrival was to find a name for tho story of which he is in search, bift since landing and viewing the pristine freshness of everything- in this country, lie concluded that “Dawning" was the inevitable word, for the grandeur New Zealand had at her door. The American visitor expressed himself ns impressed with the advanced business methods of the Dominion. ,